Method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance by using a brush

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein is a method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; wherein the brush further comprises at least one of the following: a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type; or the combination thereof. By the use of the above brush device, it becomes easier to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a variety of fiber types.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; wherein the brush further comprises at least one of the following: a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type; or the combination thereof. By the use of the above brush device, it becomes easier to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a variety of fiber types.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Keratinaceous fibers, particularly human hair fibers, may be damaged over time. Damages may be caused by environmental factors, including air pollution, sun exposure, chlorine from water pool, and/or rain. Damages may also be caused by applying to the fibers grooming (cosmetic), chemical and/or mechanical treatments. When hair fibers are damaged, the hair fibers may have undesirable conditions of, for example, “fly-away hair”, “split end”, and/or color fade.

Assessing the condition including the degree of damages caused to keratinaceous fibers is of interest in order to understand the impact of various environmental factors as well as the impact of the cosmetic (grooming), chemical and mechanical treatments onto keratinaceous fibers. Such assessment is also of interest in order to demonstrate the efficacy of treatments used for preventing and/or repairing keratinaceous fiber damages. Several attempts for assessing keratinaceous fiber damages, using different methods and/or devices, have already been reported.

Measuring combing resistance of keratinaceous fiber, especially its friction and/or detangling, is one of common ways to assess keratinaceous fiber conditions. Generally speaking, damaged and/or curled keratinaceous fibers cause increased combing resistance compared to healthier and/or straight keratinaceous fibers.

However, it's sometimes difficult to measure differences in combing resistances of the keratinaceous fibers before/after treatments, by a common measurement device for all keratinaceous fiber types. For example, a comb which is suitable for heavily damaged and/or heavily curled keratinaceous fibers may not be sensitive enough for healthier straight keratinaceous fibers.

Thus, there still remains a need for providing a method which is suitable for a variety of fiber types, for measuring combing resistances thereof and/or for adjusting combing resistances thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises:

a brush handle;

a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;

an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; and

a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position.

The present invention is also directed to a method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises:

a brush handle;

a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;

an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; and

an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.

The present invention is further directed to a method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises:

a brush handle;

a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable;

an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions;

a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; and

an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.

By the use of the above brush device, it becomes easier to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of a variety of fiber types. The use of the above brush provides more sensitivity to perceive the differences in combing resistances for a variety of fiber types.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a brush according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the brush of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG. 1, wherein the cover is in an open position.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG. 1, wherein the cover is in an open position, and wherein a fiber sample is placed on the bristles.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the brush of FIG. 1, wherein the cover is in a closed position, a fiber sample is placed on the bristles, and a certain number of bristles are in different positions from the original positions.

FIG. 6 illustrates bristle positions of the brush of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 illustrates bristle positions of the brush of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a brush according to the present invention, wherein the cover has a rib on the inner surface of the cover.

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross sectional view of the brush of FIG. 8, especially its brush head and when the cover is in a closed position.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a distance between a non-movable bristle and a movable bristle and an example of a distance of a movable bristle from its original position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Brush

The brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions. The brush further comprises:

-   a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position     and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to     the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap     between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position;     and/or -   an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles     to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.

FIG. 1-7 show an example of such brush (1), comprising a brush handle (2), a brush head (3) comprising substrate (31) and bristles (32), an activation means (4), a cover (5) having a gap (51). FIGS. 8 and 9 show another example of such brush, having the structure and functions which are almost identical to those of the brush in FIG. 1-7 other than having the ribs (53) on the inner surface of the cover (5).

Preferably, in the original position, the movable bristles are relatively aligned to other bristles. Preferably, in the different position, the movable bristles are mis-aligned to the other bristles, and form angles to the other bristles. An example of the movable bristles (32 a) at such relatively aligned position is shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, and an example of the movable bristles (32 a) at such mis-aligned position is shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 7.

This allows users to engage fibers in the original position, for example as shown in FIG. 4 with a hair fiber sample (6), then move the movable bristles to a different position. Then, the engaged fiber will form a curve between the movable bristles and the other bristles, for example as shown in FIG. 5.

The activation means can move the movable bristles to only one different positions from the original positions, or can move the movable bristles to at least two different positions from the original positions. Preferably, the movable bristles can move to two or more different positions from the original positions, more preferably from about two to about ten different positions, still more preferably from about two to about five different positions. The activation means can be anything, for example, a sliding button, linear button, rack & pinion, thumb wheel or push button. An example of such activation means (4) is shown in Figures, which is a sliding button.

In one embodiment and as a preferred embodiment as show in Figures, the substrate of the brush head is divided into at least two sections, and at least one of the sections is movable by the activation means with respect to other sections. Each section of the substrate has a certain number of bristles. Thus, the bristles on the movable section are moved by the activation means, which are called as movable bristles in this embodiment. Preferably, in the original position of the movable section, the movable bristles on the movable section are relatively aligned to the bristles on other sections, as shown in, for example, FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. Preferably, in the different positions of the movable section, the movable bristles on the movable section are mis-aligned to the bristles on other sections, and form angles to the bristles on other sections, as shown in, for example, FIG. 5 and FIG. 7. The movable section can move to at least one different position from the original position, preferably, the movable section can move to two or more different positions from the original positions, more preferably from about two to ten different positions, still more preferably from about two to five different positions.

Preferably, the brush has a locking means for the movable bristles so that the movable bristles can stably located at the original positions and/or the different positions. The locking means can be any conventional means, for example, a ratchet, friction clutch, spring loaded ball lock, lead screw or pin lock.

Preferably, the brush has a releasing means for the movable bristles so that the bristles which were moved to the different positions can move back to the original positions by a single action. FIG. 3 shows am example of such releasing means (33).

Cover

The cover for the brush head is movable between an open position and a closed position, and its internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and the cover has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position. The cover helps the fibers constantly engage on the bristles through brushing, and is especially preferred when the brush is used for combing resistance measurement in view of improved accuracy of the combing resistance measurement. An example of such cover (5) is shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 in its closed position, and in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 in its open position.

The cover is preferably movably connected to a part of the brush, for example, a part of the brush handle or a part of the brush head. Such connection can be provided by any conventional means, for example, a thru axle or snap fit hinge, bearing or an axle. FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show an example of such connection.

The cover is preferably transparent or translucent so that the bristles positions and/or fibers can be seen through the cover, as exemplified in Figures.

“Closely facing” herein means that, in its closed position, the distance between the inner surface of the cover and the tip of the bristles is preferably, from about 20 mm to about to contact between both surfaces, more preferably from about 5 mm to about to contact between the inner surface of the cover and the tip of the bristles, more preferably from about 0.5 mm to about to contact the inner surface of the cover and the tip of the bristles. FIG. 9 shows an example of such inner surface of the cover which is closely face to the tip of the bristles.

The gap between the substrate and the side ends of the cover is preferably from about 20 mm to about 1 mm, more preferably from about 10 mm to about 2 mm, still more preferably from about 5 mm to about 3 mm, in view of smooth combing of fibers. FIG. 2 shows an example of such gap (51).

Preferably, the brush cover has ribs on the inner surface of the cover positioned at the interval between one or more rows of bristles. The function of these ribs is to impart a downward pressure on the fibers for preventing many of the fibers from passing above the bristles and for ensuring constant interaction between the fibers and bristles. FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 show an example of such ribs (53).

Preferably, the brush has a locking means for the cover so that the cover can stably located in the closed position during combing and/or measurement. The locking means can be any conventional means, for example, a ratchet, or pin lock. FIG. 3 shows an example of such locking means (52), which is a ratchet.

Preferably, the brush has a releasing means for the cover so that the cover in the closed position can move to an open position by a single action. This releasing means can be separated from or connected with the releasing means for the movable bristles. FIG. 3 shows an example of such releasing means (21).

Indication

The indication is to match at least one bristle position to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.

Fiber types include, for example: Fiber materials such as any keratinaceous fiber, silk fiber, collagen fibers, plastic fibers or any other material used to produce artificial hair fibers; Degrees of curl such as straight, curled, and heavily curled; length of fibers such as long, medium, short.

Treatment types are explained below in the section named “TREATMENT”.

The indication can directly match at least one bristle position to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.

Alternatively, the indication can indirectly match at least one bristle position to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type. Indirectly matching includes the following embodiment, for example: the indication can be expressed by numbers and/or alphabets on the brush, and a separate explanation is provided to match a certain number and/or alphabet to a certain fiber type and/or treatment type.

The indications can be located near the activation means so that the movements of the activation means match to the indications, and/or can be located on the brush head so that the movements of the bristles match to the indications.

Fiber Sample

The method of the invention may comprise the step of providing at least one sample of fiber(s) (so-called “sample provision step”). As used herein, “fiber” means any fiber, and preferably that can be influenced by any of the cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatments which are conducted separately from and/or during the method of the present invention. Said fiber is preferably a mammal hair, more preferably a human hair including a synthetic fibers made like a human hair (hereinafter “synthetic hair”). The origin of the human hair may be Caucasian, African, Asian, or any other origin. The hair fiber may be obtained from any part of the body, e.g. the legs, the arms, the torso, the face or the scalp. The hair fiber is preferably obtained from the scalp.

When the fibers are mammal hair, the method of the present invention can be done in vivo, using mammal hairs as hair samples without cutting. Alternatively, the method of the present invention can be done in-vitro.

Said sample may comprise from about 100 fibers to about 300,000 fibers, preferably from about 500 fibers to about 150,000 fibers, more preferably from about 1,000 fibers to about 50,000 fibers. Said fibers may be bundled to each other such that the bundle has at least one free end. One sample usually comprises fibers of the same origin (e.g. from the same person and the same region of the body), and/or of the same portion (e.g. root end or tip end of hair fibers), and/or having been subjected to the same cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatments. When providing at least two, preferably from two to four, more preferably two, different samples of keratinaceous fiber(s), “different samples” means samples differing from each other by the origin of the fibers, the portion of the fibers and/or the treatment(s) applied to fibers.

The fibers may be of sufficient length for the method of the present invention. The fibers have preferably a length of 1 cm to 80 cm, more preferably of 10 cm to 50 cm, still more preferably of 20 cm to 30 cm. When fibers are bundled to each other, it is preferred that the fibers have the above length from the point to be bundled.

Treatment

The method may also comprise the step of treating the sample (so-called “treatment step”). The treatment step may be carried out before the sample provision step. The treatment step can be carried out before or after the sample provision step, and is preferably carried out before the measuring step. The treatment step may be carried out by treating the sample using any suitable cosmetic composition, chemical and/or mechanical treatment.

This step may be carried out by applying a cosmetic composition onto keratinaceous fiber. Any suitable cosmetic composition known in the art may be used such as shampoos, conditioning compositions, hair rinse-off treatments, hair leave-on treatments, styling compositions. For example, any commercially available shampoos, conditioners, hair rinse-off treatments and hair leave-on treatments of tradename Pantene® and Head & Shoulders® may be used.

Only one composition may be applied onto fibers. Alternatively, two or several compositions may be applied simultaneously or sequentially. In addition, before and/or after applying each composition, the fibers may further be wetted, rinsed and/or dried. In one embodiment, the treating step comprises treating (washing) the fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the washed fibers with water, then drying the fibers. In another embodiment, the treating step comprises treating (washing) the fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the washed fibers with water, then treating the fibers with a conditioning composition, then rinsing the treated fibers with water, then drying the fibers. In another embodiment, the treating step comprises treating (washing) the fibers with a shampoo, then rinsing the washed fibers with water, then treating the fibers with a conditioning composition, then rinsing the treated fibers with water, then treating at least one time the fibers with a hair rinse-off treatment, then rinsing the treated fibers with water, then drying the fibers.

Alternatively or complementary, this step may be carried out by chemically treating the fibers using a chemical treatment. Any suitable chemical treatment known in the art may be used such as permanent waving treatment, bleaching treatment and/or color-dyeing treatment.

Alternatively or complementary, this step may be carried out by mechanically treating the fibers. Any suitable mechanical treatment known in the art may be used such as brushing, combing, towel rubbing, and/or blow drying.

Combing Resistance Measurement and/or Adjustment

In one embodiment, the method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a sample of fibers;     -   placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the         brush;     -   moving the movable bristles by the activation means, more         preferably, moving the movable bristles by the activation means         according to the indication;     -   measuring and/or adjusting the combing resistance of the samples         by brushing the samples by the brush.     -   In another embodiment, the method of the present invention         preferably comprises the steps of:     -   providing a sample of fibers;     -   placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the         brush when the cover for brush head is in an open position;     -   moving the cover to its closed position;     -   measuring the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the         samples by the brush.

In the third embodiment, the method of the present invention preferably comprises the steps of:

-   -   providing a sample of fibers;     -   placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the         brush when the cover for brush head is in an open position;     -   moving the cover to its closed position;     -   moving the movable bristles by the activation means according to         the indication; and     -   measuring the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the         samples by the brush.

Preferred embodiments of the method to measure combing resistance are further explained below.

Combing Resistance Measurement

The method also comprises the step of measuring combing resistance of the sample when brushing (so-called “quantity measuring step”). Combing resistance is due to mainly frictions and detangling.

The combing resistance can be measured by any way, for example, by direct perception of the person who brushes, or by a sensor connected to the brush, which measures the combing resistance by mechanical and/or electronic means. Such sensor can be anything, for example, a sensor which directly measures a combing resistance, combing force and/or combing friction such as a torque gauge, pressure sensor, push/pull gauge, or a sensor which measures other properties which can be transferred to a level of combing resistance, combing force and/or combing friction. Such other properties are, for example, noise when brushing and/or temperature of keratinaceous when brushing. As for the noise, keratinaceous fibers having more friction are thought to cause more noise when brushing, compared to keratinaceous fibers having less friction (Patent No. US2003/0233861A1). As for the temperature, keratinaceous fibers having more friction are thought to raise higher temperature when brushing, compared to keratinaceous fibers having less friction (Patent No. US2010/0049671A1). When such sensors are used, measurement result can be shown on the brush and/or a separate screen connected to the brush with or without intervention of a computer.

Comparison

The method may also comprise the step of

-   -   providing at least two different samples of fibers;     -   measuring the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the         samples by the brush; and     -   comparing the combing resistances of the samples.

The method may also comprise the step of comparing combing resistance of different samples (so-called “comparison step”).

The comparison step is also beneficial for comparing the effects of one treatment onto fibers versus no treatment. In one embodiment, one sample may comprise untreated fibers and the other sample comprises fibers treated with a cosmetic composition. The other sample may be treated with a shampoo, and/or a conditioning composition, and/or a hair rinse-off treatment, and/or a leave-on treatment, and/or any other suitable cosmetic composition. Comparing treated fiber(s) and untreated fiber(s) is beneficial for assessing the damaging effects of the compositions such as shampoos onto hair or, in contrast, for assessing the benefits of the compositions such as conditioning compositions. Such benefit can be, for example: reduction of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of increase of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or repairing damages of fibers.

The comparison step is further beneficial for comparing the efficacy of at least two different treatments. Such efficacy can be, for example: reduction of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of increase of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or repairing damages of fibers.

In one embodiment, the samples may be treated with different cosmetic compositions. For example and non-exhaustively, (i) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and the other sample with another shampoo; (ii) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and the other sample may be treated with the same shampoo and then one conditioner; (iii) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other sample may be treated with the same shampoo and then another conditioner, (iv) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other sample may be treated with the same shampoo, then the same conditioner, and then a rinse-off treatment, (v) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other sample may be treated with the same shampoo, then the same conditioner, and then a leave-on treatment, (vi) one sample may be treated with one shampoo and then one conditioner and the other sample may be treated with another shampoo and then the same conditioner; (vii) one sample may be treated one time with one shampoo and the other sample may be treated two or several time with the same shampoo; (viii) one sample may be treated one time with one conditioner and the other sample may be treated two or several times with the same conditioner. Comparing differently treated fiber(s) is beneficial for comparing the damaging effects of different shampoos (see (i)); for assessing the mitigating effects of conditioners onto shampoo treatments (see (ii)); for comparing the benefits of conditioning compositions (see (iii)); for assessing the mitigating effects of rinse-off treatments onto shampoo treatments (see (iv)); for assessing the mitigating effects of leave-on treatments onto shampoo treatments (see (v)); for comparing the mitigating effects of one conditioners onto different shampoo treatments (see (vi)); for comparing the effects of repeating treatments onto fiber(s) (see (vii) and (viii)).

The comparison step is beneficial for example for comparing the effects of chemical and/or mechanical treatments. For example, in one embodiment, one sample may comprise untreated fiber(s) and the other sample comprises fibers being chemically-treated. Alternatively, the samples may comprise fiber(s) be treated with different chemical treatments. In another embodiment, one sample may comprise untreated fiber(s) and the other sample comprises fibers being mechanically-treated. Alternatively, the samples may comprise fiber(s) be treated with different mechanical treatments.

Advertisement Support

The method may also comprise the step of utilizing said assessment to support advertising claims (so-called “advertising step”). Making advertising steps based on the outcome of the comparison between two different samples is beneficial for example for advertising the efficacy of a treatment and/or for advertising the superiority of one treatment versus another treatment. Such efficacy can be, for example: reduction of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of increase of combing resistance, combing force, detangling and/or friction of fibers; prevention of damages of fibers; and/or repairing damages of fibers.

When advertising one treatment (e.g. a conditioning composition) versus another one, the data and/or the pictures obtained using this method may be used therefore support and/or demonstrate advertising claims according to which said treatment provide higher performance versus the other one.

EXAMPLE Materials

Fiber sample A: 25 cm long, a bundle of about 20 g oriental non-colored and non-permed natural hair fibers

Fiber sample B: 25 cm long, a bundle of about 20 g artificial hair fibers

Brush: Brush shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 having the structure and functions which are almost identical to those of the brush in FIG. 1-7 other than the ribs (53) on the inner surface of the cover. The gap (51) between the brush substrate and the side ends of the cover in its closed position, is from about 5 mm to about 3 mm The movable sections of the substrate with movable bristles (32 a) are moved by activation means (4) which is a sliding button herein. While it's not shown in FIG. 8 or FIG. 9, the brush has indications to match bristle positions wherein the indications are expressed by numbers from 0 to 4 which match 5 different positions for movable bristles. The number 0 in the indication is for the original positions of the movable bristles which are shown in FIG. 8, then, the number in the indication increases, the distance from the original position increases. For example, when sliding the sliding button from the number 0 in the indication to the number 1 in the indication, the movable bristles (32 a) move about 3.75 mm away from the original position, which distance from the original position is shown as “Dy” in FIG. 10. The movable bristles move 3.75 mm per number in the indication. When the movable bristles are in the original positions, the distance between the movable bristle (32 a) and the non-movable bristle (32 b) which is next to the movable bristle (32 a), shown as “Dx” in FIG. 10, is about 9 mm.

Non-conditioning shampoo composition: having pH=5-7 and comprising Ammonium laureth-3 sulfate (12.8%), Ammonium lauryl sulfate (9.1%), Cocamide DEA (2.3%), Ammonium xylenesulfonate (1%), EDTA (0.1%), Preservatives (<1%), Water q.s. to 100%.

Conditioning shampoo composition: having pH=5-7, and comprising Sodium laureth-3 sulfate (7.0%), Sodium lauryl sulfate (5.0%), Cocamidopropyl betaine (1%), Cocamide MEA (0.85%), Glycol Disterate (1.5%), Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (0.4%), Dimethicone (3%), Preservatives (0.6%), Water q.s. to 100%.

Percentages of compounds are weight percent per total weight of the composition.

Protocol

Depending on the method carried out, some of the steps may be omitted, e.g. the treating step.

-   1. [Sample provision step] Preparing the above hair samples. -   2. [Shampoo step for Treatment NC]     -   2.1 Hang a sample on bar     -   2.2 Wet the sample     -   2.3 Apply 1 ml of the non-conditioning shampoo composition to         the sample and lather for 30 seconds     -   2.4 Rinse the sample for 30 seconds     -   2.5 Repeat 2.3 and 2.4     -   2.6 Rinse the sample for 120 seconds and squeeze the sample to         remove excess water     -   2.7 Dry the sample for 24 hours. -   3. [Shampoo step for Treatment CS]     -   3.1 Hang a sample on bar     -   3.2 Wet the sample     -   3.3 Apply 1 ml of the conditioning shampoo composition to the         sample and lather for 30 seconds     -   3.4 Rinse the sample for 30 seconds     -   3.5 Repeat 3.3 and 3.4     -   3.6 Rinse the sample for 120 seconds and squeeze the sample to         remove excess water     -   3.7 Dry the sample for 24 hours. -   4. [Combing step] Put the sample on the substrate and bristles on     the brush when the cover is in an open position, move the cover in     the closed position and locked. If necessary, move the movable     section of the substrate with movable bristles from the original     position to a different position by activation means. -   5. [Measuring step] Measuring the combing resistance by direct     perception from the brush when combing. -   6. [Comparison step] Comparing the combing resistance of two     different samples.

Assessment and Comparison of Combing Resistance of the Samples Which are Differently-Treated

According to the above materials and protocols, samples are provided with different treatments as shown in Table 1 and Table 2, and combing resistances are assessed. The assessment results are shown below in Table 1 and Table 2.

TABLE 1 Indication (Distance of the Fiber movable bristles from Samples sample Treatment the original position) Measurement result A-NC A Treatment 3 or 4 24 panelists tested Sample A-NC step NC (11.25 mm or 15 mm) first, then A-CS. Among them, 21 A-CS A Treatment 3 or 4 panelists answered that A-CS has a step CS (11.25 mm or 15 mm) reduced combing resistance, 1 panelist answered A-NC has a reduced combing resistance, and 2 panelists answered there is no difference in combing resistance between two samples.

TABLE 2 Indication (Distance of the movable bristles Fiber from the original Samples sample Treatment position) Measurement result B-NC B Treatment 2 A total of 48 panelists tested the step NC (7.5 mm) samples. A half of the 48 panelists tested B-CS B Treatment 2 Sample B-NC first, then B-CS. Another step CS (7.5 mm) half of the 48 panelists tested Sample B- CS first, then B-NC. Among them, 46 panelists answered that B-CS has a reduced combing resistance, 1 panelist answered B-NC has a reduced combing resistance, and 1 panelist answered there is no difference in combing resistance between two samples.

As shown in Table 1 and Table 2, the combing resistances of the samples with Treatment step CS are lower than the samples with Treatment step NC. The panelists can perceive such difference, by the cover which helps the fibers constantly engage on the bristles through brushing in its closed position, and also by appropriate move of the movable bristles for each fiber type, based on the indication and a separate instruction. This also shows the efficacy of Conditioning shampoo composition, which was used in only Treatment step CS.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean “about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in the art that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is therefore intended to cover in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; and a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position.
 2. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; and an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.
 3. A method to measure and/or adjust combing resistance of fibers by using a brush, wherein the brush comprises: a brush handle; a brush head connecting to the brush handle and comprising a substrate and bristles which are mounted on the substrate, and wherein a certain number of the bristles are movable; an activation means which moves the movable bristles from their original positions to different positions; a cover for the brush head which is movable between an open position and a closed position, which internal surface can closely face to the tips of the bristles in its closed position, and which has a gap between the substrate and its side ends in its closed position; and an indication to match at least one position of the movable bristles to at least one fiber type and/or at least one treatment type.
 4. The method of any of claims 1-3, comprising the steps of: providing a sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the brush; moving the movable bristles by the activation means; measuring and/or adjusting the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush.
 5. The method of claim 1 or 3, comprising the steps of: providing a sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the brush when the cover for brush head is in an open position; moving the cover to its closed position; measuring the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush.
 6. The method of claim 2 or 3, comprising the steps of: providing a sample of fibers; placing the sample of fiber on the substrate and bristles of the brush; moving the movable bristles by the activation means according to the indication; measuring and/or adjusting the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush.
 7. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the activation means moves the movable bristles to at least two different positions from the original position.
 8. The method of claim 1 or 3, wherein the gap between the substrate and the side ends of the cover is from about 20 mm to about 1 mm.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gap between the substrate and the side ends of the cover is from about 10 mm to about 2 mm.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein the gap between the substrate and the side ends of the cover is from about 5 mm to about 3 mm
 11. The method of any of claims 1-3, wherein the fiber is natural or artificial human hair.
 12. The method of any of claims 1-3, comprising the steps of: providing at least two different samples of fibers; measuring the combing resistance of the samples by brushing the samples by the brush; comparing the combing resistances of the samples.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein one sample comprises untreated fiber(s) and the other sample comprises fiber(s) treated with a cosmetic, chemical and/or mechanical treatment.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the samples are treated with different cosmetic, chemical, and/or mechanical treatments.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of utilizing said comparison to support advertising claims about the efficacy of a treatment.
 16. A brush of any of claims 1-3. 